Style – Taylor Swift

Released as the third single from Taylor Swift’s fifth studio album 1989 (2014), “Style” became an instant fan favorite, cementing Swift’s transition from country music to mainstream pop. The song, both lyrically and sonically, embodies the essence of timeless, effortless romance. With its slick production, nostalgic lyrics, and infectious hook, “Style” quickly gained critical acclaim and commercial success. It stands out as one of Swift’s most enduring tracks, capturing the complexities of an on-again, off-again relationship while drawing inspiration from both fashion and love.

The Sound of “Style”: A New Era in Taylor Swift’s Career
“Style” showcases Taylor Swift’s complete immersion into pop music, marking a distinct departure from her country roots. Produced by Max Martin, Shellback, and Swift herself, the song’s sound is a shimmering mix of 80s-inspired synths, pulsing beats, and lush guitar riffs. It opens with a pulsating synth line that sets the mood for the entire track, immediately giving off a retro yet contemporary vibe.

Sonically, the song is often described as having a dreamy, cinematic quality. The polished production features a smooth blend of electronic and organic elements, with the reverberating guitar lines reminiscent of 1980s pop hits. The song’s infectious beat and irresistible melody have made it a go-to track for Swift’s live performances. The sound of “Style” aligns perfectly with the overarching aesthetic of 1989, an album that paid homage to the decade of synth-pop while showcasing Swift’s growth as a songwriter and artist.

The Lyrics: An Intricate Exploration of Love and Attraction
Lyrically, “Style” is one of Swift’s most clever and metaphorically rich songs. It revolves around a relationship that is tumultuous, yet irresistible, a love that never quite fades, no matter how often it cools off or turns complicated. The song’s central metaphor—the comparison of a person to timeless fashion—serves as a motif for the relationship’s enduring appeal. Swift plays with the idea that, like classic fashion, some things never go out of style, particularly love.

In the chorus, Swift sings:

“You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye / And I got that red lip classic thing that you like / And when we go crashing down, we come back every time / ‘Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style.”

This section of the song paints a vivid picture of the personas each person inhabits in the relationship. The reference to James Dean, the embodiment of cool, rebellious masculinity, contrasts with Swift’s own self-image of femininity marked by iconic red lipstick, a visual cue she has embraced throughout her career. The juxtaposition of these two cultural symbols—Dean’s rugged allure and Swift’s own classic style—adds layers to the song’s narrative. They are not just two people in a relationship; they represent archetypal figures of romance and longing.

The lyrics are both nostalgic and forward-looking, capturing the sense of inevitability and cyclical nature of the relationship. The line “And when we go crashing down, we come back every time” suggests a love that, despite its challenges, continually rekindles. Swift masterfully communicates the addictive nature of a relationship that is hard to let go of, no matter how many times it falters.

Visual Imagery: Fashion as a Metaphor
A significant aspect of “Style” is the way it intertwines fashion and romance. Throughout the song, Swift uses fashion as a metaphor for relationships that remain compelling and attractive, despite their ups and downs. Much like certain fashion pieces—such as the little black dress or a leather jacket—romantic relationships can become staples in our lives, continually resurfacing and remaining iconic.

The emphasis on style, particularly in a visual and metaphorical sense, aligns with Swift’s growing maturity as an artist. It reflects her awareness of the importance of image, presentation, and timelessness, not only in love but in her career. The fashion references give the song a glamorous feel while also underscoring the idea that some loves are classic, never fading or losing their allure, just like certain trends that persist through decades.

The Music Video: A Visual Feast
The music video for “Style,” directed by Kyle Newman, amplifies the ethereal and dreamy quality of the song. Released in February 2015, the video uses fractured images, reflections, and natural elements like the ocean and forests to symbolize the complexity and fragmented nature of the relationship. Swift appears throughout the video as both herself and in surreal, abstract images, often with her face mirrored or reflected in broken glass. This visual theme of reflection highlights the song’s message: love, much like fashion, is about looking back and forward, recognizing patterns, and embracing cycles.

The video also plays with light and shadow, creating a mysterious and almost cinematic mood. Instead of relying on a straightforward narrative, it conveys the song’s emotions through striking imagery—windblown hair, nighttime drives, and fleeting glances—all of which suggest passion, loss, and the elusive nature of love.

The male lead in the video is often thought to represent a romantic figure from Swift’s past, adding another layer of intrigue for fans and fueling speculation about the song’s inspiration. The brooding visuals and dream-like sequences evoke a sense of longing and inevitability, reinforcing the idea that, like fashion, certain loves never truly go out of style.

Reception and Legacy
“Style” received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its production, lyrical depth, and Swift’s vocal performance. Rolling Stone named it one of the best songs on 1989 and praised it for its sleek, polished sound. Billboard also praised the track for its catchy chorus and the way it encapsulated the retro-pop vibe of the entire album.

Commercially, “Style” was a success. It peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered significant radio play. Its success further solidified Swift’s standing as a pop powerhouse, proving that her transition from country music was not only successful but transformative.

In the years since its release, “Style” has become a fan-favorite and is often viewed as one of Swift’s most enduring hits. Its themes of timeless romance, combined with its sleek production, have given it a lasting appeal. Swift has included it in multiple tour setlists, and it continues to resonate with fans both old and new.

Conclusion
“Style” is a quintessential Taylor Swift song that captures the heart of what makes her music so impactful. It’s a perfect blend of catchy pop melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and a touch of timeless elegance. The song’s exploration of love and attraction through the lens of fashion is both clever and relatable, making it a standout track from 1989 and one of Swift’s most memorable hits. With its polished production and emotional depth, “Style” remains a testament to Swift’s ability to evolve while staying true to her storytelling roots.

Midnight
You come and pick me up, no headlights
Long drive
Could end in burning flames or paradise
Fade into view, oh
It’s been a while since I have even heard from you (heard from you)
And I should just tell you to leave ’cause I
Know exactly where it leads, but I
Watch us go ’round and ’round each time
You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
‘Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style
You got that long hair, slicked back, white T-shirt
And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
‘Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style
So it goes
He can’t keep his wild eyes on the road, mm
Takes me home
The lights are off, he’s taking off his coat, mm, yeah
I say, “I heard, oh
That you’ve been out and about with some other girl, some other girl”
He says, “What you heard is true, but I
Can’t stop thinkin’ ’bout you and I”
I said, “I’ve been there too a few times”
‘Cause you got that James Dean daydream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
‘Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style
You got that long hair, slicked back, white T-shirt
And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt (a tight little skirt)
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
‘Cause we never go out of style (we never go), we never go out of style
Take me home
Just take me home
Yeah, just take me home
Oh, whoa, oh
(Out of style)
Oh, you got that James Dean daydream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down (now we go), we come back every time
‘Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style